Tax credits deadline: 31 July 2020

/ Alan

If you are getting Tax Credits, you have just one week left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about changes to your circumstances or income before the deadline on 31 July 2020.

If your circumstances have changed in the last year, or you have received a letter to reconfirm their income details, you must contact HMRC. Failure to respond by the deadline may mean you receive incorrect tax credits payments and you may end up having to pay money back.

If you have received an annual review pack or text, and have already made their declaration including confirming their income and circumstances, you don’t need to do anything else. However, you must contact HMRC straight away if you disagree with any of the information in the pack or letter or if you need to tell them about any changes.

You can get help and information on renewing tax credits in different ways:

  • On GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/manage-your-tax-credits. This lets you check the progress of your renewal and be reassured that it is being processed.
  • By using the webchat service – go to GOV.UK and search for ‘tax credits general enquiries’.
  • By tweeting @HMRCcustomers or visiting their Facebook page
  • By using the HMRC App, available via your phone’s app store
  • Using the online forum (click on Tax Credits and You)
  • By calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900

A word about scams

Customers should be aware that criminals could take advantage of tax credits renewals to text, email or phone the public, offering fake support. These scams mimic HMRC messages in an effort to look genuine. 

If someone texts, emails or calls claiming to be from HMRC, saying that a customer can renew a tax credits award or access financial help, and asks for credit card or bank details, it is likely to be a scam.